The Shingrix vaccine against shingles will be free in the Highlands

People aged 65 years and above, Indigenous Australians aged 50 and older, and immunocompromised people 18 years and over at high risk of herpes zoster infection can access the Shingrix vaccine from November 1.

More than 5 million people will be able to access it through the National Immunisation Program.

The vaccine provides up to 10 years of protection against the viral infection.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox, and presents as a blistering rash on one side of the face or body that lasts from 10 to 15 days.

One in five people with shingles will develop severe nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia that can last months or even years, or be permanent in some cases.

The risk of developing shingles increases with age, where people from 65 years of age and over are at highest risk of complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia.

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"Without vaccination, almost one in three Australians will get shingles in their lifetime," said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler.

"This investment will ensure nearly five million Australians can get free protection from shingles and the very painful nerve damage that it causes."

It will also be free to access in the Illawarra on the same day.

Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones said it would be available to up to 67,000 people across both areas.

Shingrix will replace Zostavax from November 1 following advice from the independent medicines experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.

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